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 Tangier is a fascinating Moroccan city to explore. It has many of the things that gay travelers love, including a sense of exotic mystery, interesting history, beautiful vistas, unspoiled beaches and friendly people.
Contrary to popular belief, the movie Casablanca was based on the city of Tangier and not Casablanca. Tangier also has the reputation as the city of spies during the 19th and 20th centuries. This reputation came about due to its political neutrality and commercial liberty at that time. Today it is an interesting mix of North African, Spanish and French cultures.
This trip is extension to our main Morocco at the Holidays
Christmas & New Year Gay Tour - December 24,2016 - January 2, 2017.
Day 0 - Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Casablanca, Morocco. Royal Air Maroc has direct flights from New York to Casablanca (code share with Delta Airlines.) They are code share with Delta Airlines. Air France has flights visa Paris and Iberia Airlines has flights via Madrid (code share with American Airlines.)
Day 1 - Wednesday, December 21, 2016
 Welcome to Morocco! After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by your Coda representative and transfer to your hotel.
The Sofitel Casablanca La Tour Blanche is located in the city center, this 24-floor work of art overlooks the medina, the Atlantic Ocean and the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. The hotel features 141 bright rooms and 30 suites, each of which boasts an innovative design combining comfort, modernity and luxury. The first floor of this building provide charismatic architecture and offer guests amenities that include two restaurants, a bar , the two-floor So Spa with a traditional hammam, indoor heated pool and Jacuzzi and fitness Center. In the evening, we will dine at Rick's Café, named for the mythical cafe from the 1942 film "Casablanca".
Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Sofitel Casablanca La Tour Blanche Hotel, Casablanca, 5*
Room: Luxury room
Day 2 - Thursday, December 22, 2016
 This morning's sightseeing begins with an excursion around the port city of Casablanca, Morocco's largest metropolis and its industrial hub. Visit the Hassan II Grand Mosque. The mosque is among the largest in the world and can house as many as 25,000 worshipers. The mosque's minaret is the tallest religious structure in the world.
After lunch, depart to Tangier (approx. 4 hours). When Eugène Delacroix first experienced the city, he exclaimed, "I've just been looking round the town and at the moment feel like a man caught up in a dream, seeing things he is afraid will finally escape him". In the days that renowned author William Burroughs called Interzone (when Tangier was part of an official 'international zone'), every kind of questionable activity took place here. Smugglers, money launderers, currency speculators, gunrunners, prostitutes and pimps formed a sizable chunk of the local and foreign population. Tangier flourished. Following the independence of Morocco, Tangier languished but it is now the focus of the government's economic development of northern Morocco. Upon arrival in Tangier, check in to Le Mirage Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Le Mirage Hotel, Tangier, 5*
Room: Bungalow suite superior
Day 3 - Friday, December 23, 2016
 Today we explore this fascinating city of Tangier. Drive to Cap Spartel, one of the promontories projecting into the waters of the two seas. It is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. It is unique in that it is also covered with rock-roses and cork-oaks.
You will continue your guided tour with the visit of the American Legation and the Grand Socco of Tangier.
Our visit will include the Kasbah of Tangier where we walk through the medina until we arrive at the United States legation museum. The museum traces the history of the relationship between the United States and Morocco. As Morocco was one of the first countries to recognize its independence, the U.S established its legation in Tangier in 1821. It is the only historical monument to have remained in American possession since the birth of the American nation. Amongst a number of displays is a letter from George Washington to Moulay Abdellah.
You will walk through the medina, learning many interesting facts about the history, the architecture and everyday life from our knowledgeable guide.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Le Mirage Hotel, Tangier, 5*
Room: Bungalow suite superior
Day 4 - Saturday, December 24, 2016
 Today, we transfer to Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen is located 60 KM south of Tetouan and just a few hours away from Tangier (approx. 2 hours).
Chefchaouen has a history of Spanish-influence and is located in the heart of the Rif Mountains where surrounding trees, hills, springs, and wildflowers attract tourists looking for a calm getaway. In the 1600s, Moulay Ismail built Chefchaouen as an Arab fortress. In the centuries that followed, Chefchaouen saw itself transformed from a Spanish prison to what it is today. Chaouen' as it is known to local Moroccans, is a great place to explore one of the country's most interesting, yet small medinas. You can take a walk along the main avenue, Hassan II, and enter into the Medina through Bab l'Ain. The old city, called Place Uta el Hammam, is a photographer's delight, and one of the few places in Morocco that has an octagonal minaret next to the Grand Mosque.
Dar Echchaouen Hotel is set in the center of Chefcheouen.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Dar Echchaouen Hotel, Chefcheouen, 4*
Room: Standard room
Day 5 - Sunday, December 25, 2016
 We continue our journey to the cultural heart of Morocco, to magical Fes (approx. 4 hours). Founded in the 8th century, it is home to several famed historical monuments among them Karaouine, the first university. Its sprawling medina will take you a step back in time to the Middle Ages. It is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage
Upon arrival, check in to our hotel and meet up with the Main Tour.
Benefiting from a prime location in the heart of the Fes medina, this luxurious Relais & Chateaux property, Riad Fes, originally built in the 1930's by a noble Fassi family, has been lovingly restored to its former splendor. The history of this Imperial city is reflected in the Moroccan-Andalusian architecture and the exquisite attention to detail, as seen in the decor. Elegant rooms and suites are spread throughout five different parts of the property, each showcasing a particular style: Andalusian, Baroque, and Contemporary.
Tonight dinner will be served at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Riad Fes Hotel, Fez, 5*
Room: Deluxe room
Morocco at the Holidays
Christmas & New Year Gay Tour - December 24, 2016 - January 2, 2017.
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Sofitel Casablanca La Tour Blanche, Casablanca
 Our 5-star hotel in Casablanca looks out over the rooftops of Morocco's business capital. The Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche hotel is located opposite the Hassan II Mosque and close to the medina, making it ideal for exploring the city.
After admiring the gleaming exterior of the hotel, step into a world where modern French elegance and exotic Moroccan touches combine in pure harmony.The 141 rooms and 30 suites, with butler service and breathtaking views of the city and ocean, were designed by Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet.
5-star Sofitel Casablanca La Tour Blanche Hotel in Casablanca is a hotel par excellence: an outstanding setting for your private get-togethers. The whirlpool bath and teak terrace will make your stay in Casablanca truly unforgettable.
 Savor contemporary French cuisine at the L'Arabesque restaurant or discover Asian flavors at the L'Atelier d'Orient. Indulge in champagne or enjoy a coffee, at any time of day or night, on the luxurious terrace of the Le Casart bar.
Luxurious and contemporary, the rooms are equipped with a bathtub or a separate shower. They have a seating area and offer views of the city, the Medina, the Great Mosque or the ocean. Free Wi-Fi, a minibar and flat-screen TV are also provided.
Le Mirage Hotel, Tangier
 With magnificent ocean views, Le Mirage blends English elegance and Moroccan warm welcome as in the golden days of Tangier. Savor your contemporary room and private terrace, relax by the swimming pool or go for a walk on the pristine beach.
Le Mirage is the ideal place for your stay in Tangier. The hotel is a small island of pleasure and leisure, offering a splendid view over the ocean. Colossus of marble, stuccos and wood: it's a true anthology of Moroccan arts. The hotel offers a high quality of service and comfort with it 25 very spacious and luxurious residences boasting amenities that offer the most discerning of travellers, all the comfort expected of a top class hotel (Bathroom, shower, WIFI, fully remote controlled air-conditioning, television through satellite, direct dialling telephone, and room service).
 From the terraces of the residences "Grand Luxe" over hanging the cliff, the view is magnificent, the immensity of the Atlantic as a continuation of the beach seems endless, such is the feeling of the "MIRAGE". Also,Through the very wide picture windows of each Suite of the hotel, a splendid views of the ocean can be enjoyed. The individual terraces offer total privacy whilst having breakfast in the luxurious gardens. The restaurant overlooking the Ocean and the Grande Terrace is proud to be considered amongst the best in town. The vast variety of fish which the sea brings to our nearby shores, forms the main ingredients of the most popular dishes served in our restaurant. The "à la carte menu" with the daily chef`s suggestions offer great selection of dishes including succulent specialities of the traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Dar Echchaouen Hotel, Chefcheouen
 This lovely, simple guest house boasts an impressive view on the white and blue city. All of the 12 cozy rooms features diverse warm colors and personalized details. The pool on the terrace opens to breathtaking vistas.
Riad Dar Echchaouen is near Chefchaouen's Medina and the Ras el Ma Airfield. It offers en suite accommodation, and free Wi-Fi.
Rooms at Dar Echchaouen are air-conditioned and decorated in traditional Moroccan style. Each room and suite has a private bathroom featuring a shower with tadelakt tiles. The suites have a sitting area and fireplace.
Dar Echchaouen serves Moroccan dishes including couscous, tagine and pastille. Guests are invited to relax in the riad's garden or enjoy the swimming pool.
Riad Fes Hotel, Fez
 Restored to its original glory, Riad Fes – Relais & Chateaux is located in the heart of the ancient city of Fez.
It has succeeded in combining refinement with inspiration and invites you to relax and enjoy your stay in a serene atmosphere with decor reminiscent of Arabian Nights. Riad Fes provides guests with the opportunity to travel back in time and enjoy the splendour and authenticity of the lifestyle of Fassi nobility. The prestigious history and refined civilization of this Imperial city are reflected in the Spanish Moorish architecture and attention to detail seen in the decor.
 Riad Fes has a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a steam room. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas and a computer station is located on site. This luxury riad offers a restaurant, a coffee shop/cafe, and a poolside bar. Additional amenities at this Art Deco property include a rooftop terrace, spa services, and a fitness center.
The 30 air-conditioned guestrooms at Riad Fes include iPod docking stations and minibars. Beds have Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access is provided. All accommodations provide desks, safes, and phones. Bathrooms offer bathtubs or showers with deep soaking bathtubs. Bathrooms also include bathrobes, hair dryers, and slippers. All units feature coffee/tea makers and complimentary bottled water.
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